Find Us
Orders are available for pick-up at Restaurant Nicholas at 160 Route 35 South Red Bank, NJ 07701 during the following times:
Monday: 9:30-3:30; Tuesday – Friday: 9:15am – 9:00pm; Saturday: 11:00am – 9:00pm; Sunday: Closed
Orders are available for pick-up at Restaurant Nicholas at 160 Route 35 South Red Bank, NJ 07701 during the following times:
Monday: 9:30-3:30; Tuesday – Friday: 9:15am – 9:00pm; Saturday: 11:00am – 9:00pm; Sunday: Closed
$95.00
To say that Argiano has the eyes of the entire wine world would be a bit of an understatement. The winery, always known for their quality and consistency and commitment to excellence sent shockwaves throughout the industry when their 2018 (not 2016, not 2019) Brunello di Montalcino was named #1 Wine of the Year by Wine Spectator in 2023.
Why is this winery so great?
Well first, there’s the property. Their estate is absolutely gorgeous – a magnificent, sprawling estate with magnificent windows, doors, vineyards, you name it. Argiano’s vineyards are located in the Montalicino area where a perfect microclimate assures a super ecological system. There’s also the underground cellar which has been around since the 16th century. It’s picturesque while also maintaining a constant temperature and humidity well away from the noise and light.
Then there’s the team. Sebastiano Rosa, the General Manager studied in California before working at Chateau Lafite Rothschild and Sassacaia prior to his hiring. Then there’s probably the most well known winemaker in Italy today, Dr. Giacomo Tachis, who is the oenologist. Ho hum, the only places that he’s worked has been Sassacaia, Tignanello and Solaia, to name a few!!!
But with the 2018 Brunello di Montalcino ranked the #1 Wine Spectator Wine of 2023, you know that all eyes were going to be on this historic estate for their 2019 release, a vintage that has been met with so much fanfare and anticipation, that it almost seems that it can’t live up to the hype. Almost.
The gauntlet was thrown when Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate recently got to taste the brand new 2019 release. They didn’t mix words: “The Argiano 2019 Brunello di Montalcino comes out stronger than the previous 2018 and 2017 vintages, thanks to the precision and focus of its fruit flavors in this balanced vintage.”
If the 2019 comes out stronger than the 2018 and comes from a better vintage… is this another Top 10 wine? Is it the first wine to ever repeat as #1? That remains to be seen. Wine Spectator hasn’t yet reviewed this wine. But when they do… all eyes will be on them. In the meantime, this is easily one of the all-time great releases from an iconic estate. Snagging a few bottles of this while you can should be a high priority.
In stock
95 Points, James Suckling
Delightful aromas of juicy red cherries, strawberries, rose petals and wild bush, together with hints of juniper and ground herbs. Medium-bodied with firm tannins and crisp acidity. Zesty and piquant with beautiful balance and finish. Plenty of fruit at the end. Give it more time to come around. Try after 2027.
94 Points, Vinous
Crushed ashen stones, cloves, dried black cherries, rosemary and balsam herbs create a spice box display as the 2019 Brunello di Montalcino blossoms in the glass. This is surprisingly fresh and energetic, nearly juicy in character, yet refined and focused, with silken textures ushering in crisp wild berry fruits and orange tones that slowly saturate the palate. It finishes spicy and long, yet its energy never wavers, with grippy tannins that tug at the cheeks as licorice and cranberry notes fade.
94 Points, Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate
The Argiano 2019 Brunello di Montalcino comes out stronger than the previous 2018 and 2017 vintages, thanks to the precision and focus of its fruit flavors in this balanced vintage. It shows ample depth and volume, with sweet cherry and blackberry that fold into softly toasted spice and earth. Floral hints of lilac and iris make brief but poignant appearances. Velvety tannins and a nicely concentrated mid-weight palate give good staying power.
95 Points, James Suckling – 94 Points, Wine Spectator – 93 Points, Wine Enthusiast
The new release is here from outstanding winemaking team of Michel Rolland, Charles Thomas, Andy Erickson and David Jelenik. This one always represents one of the best quality-to-price ratios in all of Napa Cab and in the stellar 2021 vintage, this really stands out as one of the best the Valley has to offer. It’s a racy mix of Coombsville fruit from Atlas Peak that absolutely roars out of the bottle. Always one of Napa’s great bargains and a must have even as the price starts to sneak up here a little bit.
In the 2020 vintage in Gevrey-Chambertin, yields were super low and temperatures were hotter than most Burgundian winemakers are accustomed. Many picked too late when the sugars were high and the fruit really ripe, but that was not the play. Still, Ann remained as cool in those hot temps as she did so many years ago in Napa, concentrating more on acid levels than sugars and picking at just the right time. This wine is absolutely singing – it’s an age-worthy beauty that should be even better in 4-7 years.
The newly released Fiancetto Howell Mt. Cabernet is a dream – a gorgeous, elegant dark-fruited Cabernet Sauvignon that is it picks up time in the glass, unfurls its full signature of cedar laced cassis nose and mid palate of chocolate-covered cherries and savory spices. Only four palates of this (224 cases) were made off a gorgeous, sprawling high elevation spot 1500 feet above sea level. It’s full and plush and finishes fresh and oh so long. The price is crazy for Howell Mountain Cabernet but that’s what Ry Richards and Fiancetto is all about.
91 Points, Wine Enthusiast
Always the one with the most personality of the bunch, this is what Wine Enthusiast had to say about the 2021 release: “This extremely ripe and bold style of Pinot Noir will please those seeking such lushness. Dark in the glass, it begins with black cherry, toasty caramel and cola milk shake aromas.” The cool, coastal days and abundance of sunshine lines up perfectly for a wine that has a good natural acidic backbone, with bold fruit-forward flavors. In an easy 2021 vintage, Joe Wagner had a field day with this single-vineyard beauty.
